This Honda CB1100 was ridden to Orange County's Cars and Coffee event yesterday morning by a Honda employee who was keen to know what other motorcyclists thought after seeing it in person and sitting on it. We've heard that the company's product planers are under pressure from other departments to bring the CB1100 stateside, but this sighting doesn't indicate that such a decision is imminent, as proven by the not-for-the-US CB1000R parked behind the retro UJM. >

The production CB1100 went on sale in Japan last month after beingunveiled in production form last September. It combines an air-cooled1140cc inline-four with sharp retro styling, competing with bikes likethe Ducati GT1000, Harley XR1200 and Triumph Bonneville. It promises tobe relatively affordable despite the strong Yen, retailing for about$1,600 less than a CBR600RR in Japan. Making just 87bhp, the CB1100won't be a rocket ship, but this bike's rider told a member of ADVRiderthat the bike has "lots of torque [68lb/ft] and felt plenty powerful."In fact, the only spec that's slightly disappointing is the weight:535lbs (wet).

Asked if the company had imported this bike in order to gauge consumerinterest ahead of a possible American importation decision, a Honda repsimply told us "No."